At just 18, Luke Littler, the darts prodigy known as “The Nuke,” has already conquered the oche, clinching the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship and amassing over £2 million in prize money and endorsements. But it’s his love for a post-match kebab that has catapulted him into a new spotlight, this time as a culinary ambassador. The Warrington-born teenager, whose meteoric rise has made him a household name, has partnered with food delivery giant Deliveroo to judge the Best Kebab Award for their 2025 UK Restaurant Awards. “We are bringing back the Best Kebab Award. I’ve chosen my best kebabs, now go choose yours,” Littler urged fans, his enthusiasm for doner wraps as infectious as his dart-throwing precision.
Littler’s affinity for kebabs became a cultural phenomenon during his fairytale run to the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship final at age 16, where he celebrated victories with a £6.49 doner wrap from Hot Spot, his hometown takeaway in Warrington. The shop, owned by brothers Hamido and Sihad, honored their childhood friend by naming the “Luke The Nuke Wrap”—a mix of doner meat, lettuce, onions, and mayonnaise—after him. “Whenever he comes back to Warrington, he tends to order the ‘Luke The Nuke Wrap’,” Hamido shared, noting Littler’s frequent visits when not competing abroad. The eatery even offered him free kebabs and haircuts for life, a nod to their adjacent barber shop, Hamidos. Littler, ever humble, clarified rumors about his kebab habit: “I had a kebab after my first win and didn’t have another in two weeks,” dispelling tales of nightly indulgences.
This new role with Deliveroo, reportedly netting Littler £50,000, aligns perfectly with his relatable persona. “Whether it’s chicken tikka or lamb, there are three steps to a tasty kebab,” he explained, showcasing his expertise in what makes a wrap truly exceptional. His hometown favorite, Yara in Warrington, is a contender for the golden trophy, a nod to the community that has cheered him since his days at Padgate Academy. Littler’s involvement isn’t just about taste-testing; it’s a celebration of his roots and the comfort food that fueled his rise. “Continuing with BoohooMAN feels like a natural fit for me,” he said of another endorsement, a sentiment that extends to his Deliveroo partnership, blending his love for darts, fashion, and food.
Littler’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. After a tough week on the tour, marked by crowd taunts and a social media spat with Dutch player Damian Vlottes, who called him “childish” for reacting to whistling fans, Littler found solace in this lighthearted gig. Vincent Van der Voort, a darts veteran, offered perspective: “He’s not used to losing yet. He needs some coaching and guidance to help him manage those emotions better.” Yet, Littler’s resilience shines through, his focus undeterred as he leads the BetMGM Premier League. His manager, Martin Foulds, has steered him toward healthier habits, noting, “When you finish, it could be 11 or 12, it’s all fast food. So I’ve got to look after myself, eat before I play.” Despite this, Littler’s kebab love remains a cherished part of his identity.
With nearly two million Instagram followers and sponsorships from BoohooMAN, KP Nuts, and Target Darts, Littler’s star power transcends the dartboard. His Deliveroo role, announced on April 29, 2025, has fans buzzing, with posts on X calling it a peak moment, even surpassing his world title. From inspiring dartboard sales to boosting Hot Spot’s business—now replacing doner meat every three days—Littler’s influence is undeniable. As he judges Britain’s best kebab, he remains the down-to-earth teen who dreams of Xbox sessions and Alton Towers trips, proving that even global stars can keep it real, one wrap at a time.
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